How to choose a bike for hiking
Everyone knows what a bicycle is. Someone in childhood had a bicycle like “Ukraine” or “Stork”, someone is already familiar with the modern variety in choosing a bicycle and rides it along park alleys or asphalt paths. But which bike to choose for cycling trips?
The question is actually not too difficult. It usually all comes down to the amount of money you are willing to spend. But first, let's talk about the technical side of the matter.
Almost any bike trip, regardless of its duration, combines asphalt and dirt sections in different percentages. Ideally, it is most convenient to ride on asphalt on a road bike, and on dirt roads, especially heavy ones, on a two-suspension bike. In difficult bike trips, there are generally off-road sections or, say, river crossings, when you wish there was no bike with you at all :).
It is, of course, impossible to combine all three bicycles on one trip. Therefore, based on this, the most optimal type is chosen. Preference is most often given to mountain (MTV or mountbike) bicycles, less often to hybrids (an intermediate option between road and mountain).
Hybrids have a wheel diameter of 28 inches, and the equipment is the same as on a mountain bike. For simple hikes with a predominance of asphalt and good primers, the hybrid is somewhat more convenient than the MTV. But, if you want to continue to actively travel by bicycle in the future and discover the most beautiful corners of nature, where access is difficult due to various roads or their absence, the choice is clear - mountain biking.
What attributes should an “average” mountain bike for hiking have?
- large number of gears (21-28),
- aluminum alloy frame,
- front suspension fork,
- wheel diameter 26 inches.
- it must be possible to attach a bike rack to the frame!
The vast majority of mountain bikes for hiking are hardtails, not dual suspension. The presence of disc brakes is not critical.
The lighter the bike, the easier it will be for its owner. The higher the level of equipment (mounting) of a bicycle, the more reliable it is. But this does not mean that a cheap bike will necessarily break down (you can also go hiking on such bikes) and you need to spend “millions” on top models (they can also fail). As practice shows, middle-class equipment (in the Shimano line - from Acera to Deore LX) performs well and lasts on hikes of various levels.
If you suddenly have doubts about your bike, do not hesitate to send it photos or characteristics, and together we will discuss whether your two-wheeled friend is suitable for this or that biking trip.